The Name: Lithic Goods
The definition of Lithic is: “of the nature of or relating to stone” and frequently refers to stone tools. This concept of durable, old tools is interesting because it contrasts so strongly with the ubiquity of today’s cheap & disposable products. Within this context Lithic Goods are designed thoughtfully and with purpose—made to endure the task at hand and, if they become worn through time, be repairable so as to continue on for as many years as possible.
Mission
Objects worth owning. The purpose of this site is to identify superior products and share them, saving others time and helping with their research. The fundamental principle is to make the best investment from the beginning to ensure every purchase is in a quality, long lasting product. If you could only have one: knife, pair of boots, pen, etc. then this is a home for those items. These are objects of permanence, unrivaled in their proficiency of the task at hand, with designs and styles that transcend trends to stand above, enduring. They should also be made with a Cradle to Cradle or Patagonia type ethos, maximizing quality while minimizing environmental impact; resulting in a longterm investment with a minimal footprint. This is difficult to achieve in a world dominated by marketing and consumerism; it takes patience, research, and restraint to resist the instant gratification of the impulse buy. But in the end it’s well worth it, as ultimately the collection will last longer and provide the satisfaction of a good investment. To minimize our footprint and lead by example LithicGoods.com is hosted by Pair Networks, a carbon neutral hosting service.
Process
All the photos are taken by myself, allowing the images to provide unique insight into the products and the writing to include hands-on knowledge. Additionally, as you can see in the behind-the-scenes image below, all studio shot photographs after December 2013 are color balanced with an 18% grey card to ensure color accuracy. And, unlike the majority of the internet, there will never be marketing or public relations supplied images on this site masquerading as original content. In addition to using the grey card during shoots, I’ve calibrated my monitor using an i1DisplayPro by x-rite, which ensures the images end up with the correct contrast and balance.
Background
I have a BS in mechanical engineering and an MSE in product design. In my career I’ve designed furniture, lighting, and an award winning cabin in Nova Scotia and managed a team of 20 incredibly talented and hard working individuals who managed fleets of self-driving cars.
I also enjoy a good adventure and recently summited Aconcagua on December 16, 2024. I’ve also hiked up Kilimanjaro and some of the classic western thru-hikes: John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and the Wonderland Trail. I’ve also run The Timberline Trail, Teton Crest Trail, Bryce Canyon Traverse, and a couple 50k’s. That said, backcountry skiing is my favorite outing and I am currently working my way through the Chuting Gallery.
I strive for continuous improvement in all things and pair that with a deep love of the outdoors. I’m obsessed with products and hope sharing my research and experiences proves to be helpful to others.
The Sky Is The Limit
There are affiliate links included on product posts that will hopefully make me rich, but will more likely simply help provide a small amount of income to cover the hosting fees. These links are a final step in the process, not a driver of content. As a believer in supporting local businesses, please buy locally if the option is available.
Further Reading
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard. $20
HBR Case Study: Gary Hirshberg and Stonyfield Farm by Nancy F. Koehn, Nora N. Khan, and Elizabeth Legris. $7